American Dream

Three cities east of Portland signed an intergovernmental agreement in 1997 saying that none could permit a big-box store without approval of the other two. Now Kohls wants to build in Wood Village, and that's okay with Gresham, but Fairview says no. Why do officials think it is a good idea to tie their hands with such intergovernmental agreements?

Follow up: Fairview's city council changed its mind on September 8 and voted to allow the Kohls in Wood Village.